Category Archives: Reality Television

FRONT, MKR, Reality Television

Which Team Get’s the Boot on My Kitchen Rules 2018?

22 - MKR 2018 - Shared Plates Challenge
The kitchen heats up on My Kitchen Rules.  Image Credit: Channel 7

My Kitchen Rules, the cooking competition show that’s become more known for its on-screen dramas and love-to-hate contestants than for any form of cooking, have been proudly advertising for weeks on end that for the first time in the shows long run, one team will been kicked off the show for ‘inappropriate behavior’.  As we’re nearing this huge moment, what’s not being said is just which team is getting the boot so it’s time to do some investigating!

Looking back at reports when the news first broke back in December of 2017 and January of this year, they all say the same thing : Production on the show was temporarily shut down while Channel Seven investigated an altercation in which sources said the contestants “crossed a line” involving an all-female team.

The altercation being noted is a ‘physical altercation’ with another team in a Tasmanian hotel during filming with several reports stating that the other team (which they had been feuding with prior to) was an all-male team.

So let’s break it down….

The very last promo for MKR before it’s 4 week hiatus showed a fiery clash with brothers Nic and Josh along side sisters Emma and Jess going against Sonya and Hadil which leads to the booting.

As it stands, the all-female teams remaining in the competition include Russian friends Olga and Valeria, fine dining friends Sonya and Hadil, life-long friends Kim and Suong, sisters Emma and Jess and waitresses Stella and Jazzey.

Recent promos advertising the elimination cook-off between Kim and Suong and Davide’ and Marco stated “one of the teams at the table would be kicked off” leading us to believe as Kim and Suong were cooking and not at that table, it’s not them.

As recent as late February, well into MKR’s run (and when we’ve gotten to know the teams), sisters Emma and Jess were being pin-pointed as the team but Jess has been quick to deny this saying while they were involved in the incident, it actually happened to them….”We’re just taking the fire, but we know the truth and it will come out very soon.”

In Tuesday’s most recent episode (April 17th) Sonya and Hadil began to get out of control, attacking Jess and Emma’s comments on their turn in the ‘Super Instant Restaurant” round leading to the all out fight.

So who gets the boot?  Let’s look at the suspects.

Stella and Jazzey:

MKR SJ
(c) Channel 7

The waitress best friends have been mostly clear of any drama thus fur in the competition with Stella focusing all her attention on single hottie truffle farmer Henry.  They have though been very vocal towards Sonya and Hadil when they go on the attack.

Boot likelihood: 1/10

Olga and Valeria:

MKR OV
(c) Channel 7

The Russians made a memorable entrance to the show in round two of the instant restaurants, fast becoming the ‘team to hate’ but, once the show kicked into gear after the instant restaurant rounds, the girls have found themselves fitting in nicely with the other teams.

There’s been no real issues with other teams since the instant rounds but that’s no to say their fiery attitudes won’t burn up again!

Boot Likelihood: 4/10

Emma and Jess:

MKR EJ
(c) Channel 7

The sisters butted heads with now eliminated team Roula and Rachel (yay!!) and started their MKR journey off being very outspoken and not very likable but just like Olga and Valeria, the sisters have merged into the competition nicely with only a few minor spats with members of team two.  Reports state that they have direct involvement with this ‘incident in question’ but they were on the receiving end of it.

More recently, the sisters have been one to not shy away from calling out Hadil and Sonya when they go on the attack.

Boot Likelihood: 6/10

Kim and Suong:

MKR KJ
(c) Channel 7

The Vietnamese mums have been on the receiving end of some not-so-casual racism during their run (Jess’s ‘domestic animals’ comment, Emily’s ‘magpie on the BBQ’ comment and Sonya’s ‘can’t afford fine dining’ snark) and Suong has clashed heavily with both Sonya and Hadil of recent weeks.

Suong it seems, has struggled more than Kim when it comes to the politics and games of the show and seems to be a main target for Sonya and Hadil though she has maintained a level head when on the defense.

Kim and Suong were also absent from recent promos advertising the “which team” will be booted they were cooking.

Boot Likelihood: 1/10

Sonya and Hadil:

MKR SH
(c) Channel 7

The ‘stylish’ friends came out strong as the team to beat in round two, but even though the girls manage to continuously deliver outstanding dishes, they’ve become more known for their higher-than-though attitude and constant attacking of the groups in team one.

They have clashed with both Emma and Jess and Kim and Suong on more than one occasion showing they are not afraid to take down anyone they deem not up-to their level.  The very last promo previewing the upcoming episode where it all goes down showed both girls going on into mega attack mode, with their sights firmly set on Emma and Jess and Nic and Josh.

Boot Likelihood: 9/10

Check out the promo for the “Super dinner parties” round and the fight that will see one team kicked out of the competition!

 

So there you have it.  Based purely off the contestants left and earlier reports of what happened, my guess is Sonya and Hadil.  Do you agree?  Disagree?  Sound off in the comments section!

THE episode airs Wednesday night, April 18th at 7:30pm on Channel 7

Update – check out what happened in this post

 

Australia's Next Top Model, FOX8, FRONT, Reality Television

First Look: Australia’s Next Top Model Season Ten

fx8-antm-megan-gale
Megan Gale joins Alex Perry and Jen Hawkins as a judge on season ten of Australia’s Next Top Model.  Image Credit: Foxtel 2016

To celebrate its tenth anniversary, Fox8’s “Australia’s Next Top Model” is set to pull out all the stops to not only salute the past nine seasons of this hit modelling show, but to also showcase just why our local version of Tyra Banks model search competition is serving up some of the best winners in the world.

Returning to season ten is host Jennifer Hawkins, panel judge Alex Perry and model coach Cheyenne Tozzi who are joined this season by the addition of Megan Gale to the judging panel  Gone is co-model coach and uber swoon-worthy Didier Cohen, now replaced with the Stenmark Twins, Jordan and Zack, who both seems a little ‘carboardy’ in the first two episodes given for preview.

In honor of this tenth season, a gaggle of well-known models from Elle ‘the body’ McPherson to Miranda Kerr and past contestants who have more than done well for themselves since their seasons ended including winner Montana Cox and Season 7’s Simone Holtznagel all make appearances throughout the season.

topmodel-belinda
Belinda from NSW is my dark horse pick this season.

Also back this season is the terrible scoring system introduced back in season nine  which has all the girls ranked on a scoring system with points coming from the weekly challenge and the weekly photo shoot and once again, has Alex Perry literally determining the fate of who stays and who goes home with his final score offering.  The ‘blind’ scoring system used by Tyra Banks and co in the US version seems to be much more fairer (to the viewers) than the scoring system our Aussie version is using.

The top 13 girls this season all meet the brief of being young, gorgeous and tall, some with more potential than others and some who stand out right from the get-go as potential front runners and unlike last season, there’s no bogan-turned-international-runway-model.  There is stunner Aleyna from NSW who shines in the Alex Perry branded runway show and NSW’s Daisy who has a little bit of the Chloe Moretz-Grace’s about her features but is way to cocky for her own good.  Sofie from Tasmania is the girl who apparently complains about shoes that are too small (I didn’t see that happen) and gets the usual “I’ve put my size 17 feet into a size 2 shoe” quip from Cheyenne Tozzi and Summer from VIC has little to no control over her ‘dear in headlights’ eyes.

Tuesday’s first episode has Alex Perry kicking off this seasons first challenge – again, surprising the girls with an Alex Perry runway show in front of 400 industry power houses. One girl slays the runway while another has trouble dealing with critiques from the judges.

Australia’s Next Top Model – Season Ten starts Tuesday, Sept 20th at 7:30pm on FOX8

Channel 10, Channel 7, Channel 9, FRONT, I'm A Celeb, MKR, Reality Television, The Block

#MKR #TheBlock #ImACelebAU : What Are You Watching Tonight?

1 Comment
MKR begins tonight on 7
MKR begins tonight on 7

It’s going to be a battle royale tonight with reality juggernauts My Kitchen Rules, The Block Triple Threat and I’m a Celebrity Australia all invading our televisions tonight and all starting at the same time, leaving me wondering just which program is going to fall into the cancelled bin.

I finished watching the first episode of I’m a Celeb last night (on delay as a roast lamb dinner at the parents place was in order) and quickly brought up the digital TV guide for tonight only to sit there blank faced.  Shit.  MKR, The Block and I’m a Celeb are all scheduled for the same start time – 7:30pm.  It’s a tough call.  Which do I watch live and which do I record to watch after?

It can only be two programs considering the current running time for each show is a minimum 2 hours (it’s actually 1.5 hours but we all know now how this really works) and it’ll be almost 11pm by the time we’d have finished watching two programs leaving me to wonder, just which show is going to….well….die?

the-block
The Block Triple Threat

MKR has a strong fan base and even though over the past few seasons we’ve seen the cooking show move away from the food to the contestants, the show is still a massive draw-card for Channel 7’s weeknight prime time line-up.

The Block Triple Threat, well, 9 were smart getting in early before the other two but fell victim to 7’s Australian Open coverage.  Even with the less than stellar ratings, we’ve all invested a week with the show already, seen one couple booted with another to go this week.

I’m a Celeb…kudos to Network 10 for the build-up and advertising leading up-to it’s premiere last night.  1.19 million viewers smashed The Block’s opener but will the premise of ‘celebs’ stranded in the South African jungle enough to lure viewers away from such strongholds as MKR and The Block?

So what am I doing?  Easy call in fact.  Tape The Block and watch MKR live.  It’s what I’ve always done and will continue to do leaving behind our celebs in the jungle.  To be fair, it’s not the show’s fault…it’s simple enough to watch (just like the other two) and quite enjoyable but Ten’s decision to push it up against two of the biggest reality shows in Australia…Ten’s got big balls that may be about to be deflated.

What will be your viewing schedule for tonight?  Sound off in the comments below!

Channel 9, Reality Television, The Block

The Block Triple Threat Kicks Off

The Block Contestants Mark and Jess. Source: Provided
The Block Contestants Mark and Jess. Source: Provided

Talk about bursting out of the gates like a bucking bull – well, Block contestant Anastasia sure did taking an epic fall right into Scotty’s work bench early on in last night’s first episode – I feel ya girl.

Yes, The Block is back for another season, with 6 brand new couples and no sign (as yes) of last years delightful Dee and Darren.  After some rather awkward introductions, we’re introduced to our six couples who are informed they have one week to renovate three rooms – a bedroom (the worlds smallest), a living/dining and a bathroom (what no kitchen in these places?) and that’s if they make it to the final room.

Room by room, one of the 6 couples will be booted off the show to make way for our three returning couples from previous seasons – Dee and Darren, Matt and Kim and Bec and George before moving into the actual block.

First look thoughts on the teams:

Aimee and Brooke….the two seemed more interested in performing pop hits in the car (and for the camera) than actually making it to the challenge destination and taking 40 minutes to find their allocated apartment…i’ll bite my tongue here.  If they happen to make it through, those girls will have the biggest tradie bill to date.

Anastasia and Tim…well Ana’s epic fall gets her right into my good books, though someone may need to show her how to run in heels and Tim, we didn’t see much of him at all so no comment.

Ayden and Jess…he took her keys and left her stranded at Mitre 10. Sort of a bumbling duo that you’d find in a bad 90’s fat guy/hot wife sitcom though Ayden seems to know his way around an Ikea flat pack.

Josh and Charlotte…I literally do not remember this couple…wait is she the ‘food stylist’?

Luke and Ebony…i’m still waiting for the sibling rivalry to kick in as this brother/sister duo seem to be getting along a little to good for my liking.

Mark and Jess…Gotta feel for Mark.  The missus dissolves into thin air – or just went shopping – for HOURS with her phone and his! Actually, it’s probably a smart move so there’d be no phone calls about colors or patterns or sizes.

Tonight we get our first room reveals – the bedroom big enough for a toddler and we loose one couple to the depths of former reality TV contestants.

The Block Triple Threat continues tonight, 7:30pm on Nine.

Channel 10, Reality Television

Just Who Is Going Into The Jungle? I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here!

Hosts Chris Brown and Julia Morris. Source: Network 10
Hosts Chris Brown and Julia Morris. Source: Network 10

Network Ten sure are keeping very mum on just who exactly will be popping up in their up-coming celebrity-reality series I’m a Celebrity..Get Me Out of Here, and they’re doing it for very good reasons.

ITV Australia chief Anita Jacoby revealed that those ‘celebrities’ who have signed up for the gig don’t actually know who else has signed on.  “They find out who they are going to be joining on that first night.  They genuinely don’t know. That is part of the magic of the show, they have got no inkling whatsoever.”

While making sure not to reveal too much, Ten have been kind enough to give us some clues as to who we may see…

So names ranging from Sophie Monk to Shane Warne, Bert Newton and comedian Joel Creasy have been floating around, but true to Ten’s word, no one will actually find out until premiere night.  That said though, one name in particular that has been thrown about is standing out more than others.  Melissa-Joan Hart, she of Sabrina The Teenage Witch (which I adored) and now of ABC Family comedy Melissa and Joey recently followed a select few local twitter accounts including that belonging to the show itself.

Could Mel-J be slumming it out in the jungle with Shane Warne?  Will Brynne Edelsten pop up in a safari hat and matching outfit?  Guess only time will tell!

In the meantime…for those wanting to know what they might expect with the show, check out some clips from the UK version below..


Hosted by Julia Morris and Chris Brown, I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here begins early February, five nights a week, live from South Africa on Network Ten. We the viewers will decide “who eats, who plays and who stays.”

Channel 10, Comedy, Drama, FRONT, Reality Television

Coming to Network Ten in 2015; CSi Cyber, Shark Tank and More

Patricia Arquette Heads the new CSI: Cyber
Patricia Arquette Heads the new CSI: Cyber

A CSI spin-off, A television show about people watching television and celebrities stranded on an island…these are just some of the new shows Network Ten have announced to start in 2015.

CSI: Cyber: A spin-off from the massive CSI Juggernaut (the 4th spin-off to date) see’s Special Agent Avery Ryan (Patricia Arquette) head the cyber crime division alongside Senior Special Agent Elijah Mundo (James Van Der Beek)  Aruquette’s Ryan appeared in an season 14 episode of CSI that worked as a back-door pilot to this new spin-off.

I’m A Celebrity, Get Me Out Of Here: It’s survivor meets Dancing with the Stars in this Aussie version of the massive UK reality hit that will see 10 well known Australian faces head to the South African jungle to compete in challenges with hopes of raising dollars for their chosen charity.  No names as yet though comedienne Julia Morris and Bondi Vet Dr. Chris Brown have been announced as hosts.

Goggle Box: In a nut shell, Goggle Box is a show about people watching television though it’s being pushed as a weekly observational series which captures the reactions of ordinary Australians as they watch the nightly news, argue over politics, cheer their favorite sporting teams and digest current affairs and documentaries.  Based on the UK show of the same name.

The Odd Couple:  Friends’ star Matthew Perry’s return to series TV in a remake of the classic comedy of the same name which sees Perry as Oscar Madison play opposite Thomas Lennon as Felix Unger. The former college buddies end up living together after the collapse of both their marriages.  Parenthood’s Lauren Graham has also just been announced to join the show as Oscars ex-wife Gaby.

Shark Tank: Remember Dragon’s Den?  That Aussie show from 2006 based off the UK show in which inventors pitched their products to a panel of wealthy investors only to find the offers involved them losing 50% of their business?  There was also a US version of the show called Shark Tank.  It’s exactly the same as the UK version….and now our version of the same name as the US version.

The Bachelorette Australia: We all know what this one is right?  It seems there’s more interest in who will be the first bachelorette than the show itself after the disaster that was this years The Bachelor.  Ten are yet to announce a name though former bachelorette’s Laurina ‘dirty street pie’ Fleure, Chantal Hryniewski and Zoe O’Brien have been thrown around while winner (and eventual loser) Sam Frost (who was considered to be the front runner) it seems is no longer in contention after her ‘post-show antics’.

Anything here take your fancy?  Being a Patty Arquette fan, I’ll give Cyber a shot plus anything with James Van Der Beek is worth a watch!

Channel 7, Comedy, Crime, Drama, FRONT, Local TV, MKR, Reality Television, TV

Channel 7 in 2015. New and Returning Shows Announced.

Rebecca Gibney and Peter O'Brien return for Winter in 2015
Rebecca Gibney and Peter O’Brien return for Winter in 2015

A mix of new dramas both locally and overseas made, a reality show juggernaut spin-off and documentaries are all coming our way in 2015 as channel 7 announces it’s line-up for the new ratings season.

Sadly though, it seems with some of the imported US content, Australian viewers will be quite some episodes and by the looks of it, even over half a season behind American audiences.  No fast-tracking programs here.

So just what programs did channel 7 reveal?

How to get Away With Murder: This new US drama is easily one of the best to come out of the new US season.  Oscar winner Viola Davis stars as a high profile defense lawyer slash college law professor who finds herself caught up in a murder investigation along with some of her students.  Comes from Shonda Rhimes – she of Greys Anatomy and Scandal.

State of Affairs: Starting November 17th in the US, this Katherine Heigl vehicle has a mix of Madam Secretary and Homeland and see’s Heigl as a CIA agent working closely with the US President.

Aquarius: 1960’s based homicide drama see’s David Duchovny working with an undercover detective trying to solve a missing persons case that leads them to Charles Manson.

Winter: Spin-off series from this years “The Killing Field” telemovie with Rebecca Gibney and Peter O’Brien back in the pursuit of a killer.

Restaurant Revolution: Another spin-off from the My Kitchen Rules juggernaut taking ‘inspiration’ from My Returant Rules, which will see contestants attempt to run their very own restaurant.

800 Words: New Aussie drama starring Packed to the Rafters favorite Erik Thomson who plays a a widowed father, who moves overseas with his two teenagers, then takes on the job of writing a weekly newspaper column.

House Rules: The home renovation show is back for 2015 and just like The Block, is offering up two seasons in the new year.

Catching Milat: Underbelly-stylized drama around the Ivan Milat murders.

What Really Happens in Thailand: First it was Bali, now it’s Thailand – or a heightened version of what actually happens.  This series is focused more on the emergency rooms, cosmetic surgeons and party hot spots.

Programs returning for 2015 include The X Factor, My Kitchen Rules, Winners & Losers, Border Security, The Force and Better Homes & Gardens while The Big Adventure, Bringing Sexy Back and The Amazing Race were not on announced as returning for the network in 2015.

Big Brother, Channel 10, Channel 7, Channel 9, FRONT, Local TV, Reality Television, TV

What’s Really the Message in Reality TV?

The Block Glasshouse Michael and Carlene remained scandal free. Source: Provided
The Block Glasshouse Michael and Carlene remained scandal free. Source: Provided

Does reality television have a message for it’s viewers?  Is it “Be rewarded for your hard efforts” or “true talent will see you reach the top”?  What about something less positive like “lie, cheat, bitch and moan your way through your journey”.  With the recent dramas surrounding The Bachelor, The Block Glasshouse and Big Brother, that last message seems to ring more true.

It’s funny to think that just over 20 years ago, we got our first taste of reality television in the form of the classic Sylvania Waters.  It was touted as a ‘fly-on-the-wall look into the lives of Noeline Brown and her partner Laurie Donaher, their family and their lavish lifestyle in the Sydney suburb of Sylvania Waters.

The 12-part program was one of the first for Australian television and became one of the most talked about programs in the early 90’s.  It had its lovers and it had it’s haters, but either way, the show was an early indication of just how

Now jump forward 20-odd years where the genre that was considered taboo all those years ago has now become a staple on our screens. Everyday people (and sometimes celebrities) are starving themselves in isolate locations trying to avoid being voted off an island, they’re cooking for strangers, they’re living with strangers being filmed 24 hours a day, they’re dancing or singing or performing magic in-front of large audiences, they’re re-building and designing multi-million dollar apartments, they’re competing against strangers to win the heart of a person they don’t know…it seems there’s not much that hasn’t been covered by the genre – heck, there’s even people meeting and going on a date for the first time completely in the nude!

But it seems, especially of late, these programs that are saturating our networks are becoming more and more surrounded by scandals and outrageous antics both from those working behind the scenes and the contestants involved leaving one to wonder – just how positive is the message that reality television is trying to push?

Chris the 'EPA Inspector' on The Block Glasshouse
Chris the ‘EPA Inspector’ on The Block Glasshouse

One of the biggest on-going stories is from Network Ten’s The Bachelor, which ended two weeks ago is still getting people talking with ousted girls and the Bachelor himself (and Australia’s most despised man of the moment) Blake Garvey, offering up exclusive tell-all’s that don’t really seem to tell all…at all. Surely Network Ten must be loving the publicity for the show coming off the shock of Garvey ending his engagement to winner Sam Frost just weeks after proposing, but now, has the circus that has erupted after the finale tarnished just what the show was actually about?

For instance, season one’s bachelor Tim Robards walked away with a long-term relationship in his final pick of Anna.  It was a happy ending that also cemented the message behind the show.  Sure, most people really only tuned in to see a bunch of super spray tanned girls bitch and bicker about each other while trying to ‘win’ the heart of a man but now even that has been out-shone by Garvey and his post-show antics.

Big Brother contestants Cat and Lawson have lie-down kisses. Source: Provided

This current season of Big Brother is also skirting controversy, from housemate Gemma’s brutal evicition to last years winner, Tim Dormer re-entering the house to housemates Cat and Lawson starting a relationship all-the-while Lawson’s girlfriend Candice sits on and watches.  While Big Brother and controversy have never been to far apart from each other, this season seems to have more people questioning the antics of the housemates and those behind the scenes – who some feel, may be pushing for certain actions to occur.

Even The Block has come under scrutiny for falsifying events regarding a visit from the EPA to inspect a 12,000 litre fuel tank discovered buried under the site (which was heavily played up by the show) There was a fuel tank, it was a big mother of one, but no one from the EPA was ever actually there to inspect it.   The finale of the show also brought some murmurs of unhappy viewers when three of the five couples failed to make a decent amount of coin from their auctions – and while producers and contestants have little control over the final auction outcome, it was hardly a glowing reference for wannabe contestants on future series.

In the end, we are now at a point where we’ve come to expect schlock and drama from reality television as a way to hopefully boost fledgling ratings but is it worth it at the expense of respect and decency?  Here’s hoping shows like My Kitchen Rules’ drama and scandal stays around someone using store bought pastry for a desert dish!

Channel 7, FRONT, Local TV, Reality Television, TV, X-Factor

X Factor Australia Finale: Who Will Win?

Finalists (L-R) Dean Ray, Brothers Three and Marlisa. Source: Provided
Finalists (L-R) Dean Ray, Brothers Three and Marlisa. Source: Provided

Rocker Dean Ray, harmonious crooners Brothers 3 and singing school girl Marlisa are all vying for first prize when X Factor Australia reveals it’s winner tonight.

Who Should Win:  I’ve been right three years running (Reece Mastin, Samantha Jade and Dami Im) and I’m hoping to add Dean Ray to the list.  The guy is total swag on stage, clearly showing he is more adept at working the audience and giving stage presence than both Brothers 3 and Marlisa combined.

Right from the go, Ray’s audition of Kim Carnes ‘Bette Davis Eyes’ made him a standout and one to watch.  Only hitting the bottom two once (I still believe it was a ploy), Dean Ray, his mesmerizing and penetrating eyes and all, deserves to win.

Who Will Win: While still hopeful of a Dean Ray Win, Brothers 3 have remained a steadfast favorite in the series, even while being booted during judges top three announcements.  Being picked by viewers to be the return wild card and placing top spot when the viewer announcements were made are clearly showing these boys have fans.

What about Marlisa: She’s surely a surprise addition to the final three considering Regan was expected to make the final.  Marlisa can sing – no doubting that, but her stage presence lacks any oomph.  Give her a few years of doing Westfield gigs and i’m sure we’d see her pop up as a more mature and stronger performer.

Who do you think will win?  Sound off in the comments below!

X-Factor Australia finale live tonight, channel 7 at 7:30pm.

Channel 9, Local TV, Reality Television

The Glasshouse Auction. The Block Finale

Will Michael and Carlene take out The Block Glasshouse? Source: Supplied
Will Michael and Carlene take out The Block Glasshouse? Source: Supplied

Spoiler Free!  While the auctions have officially taken place, no word on final standings here until after the official airing tonight!

It’s auction time!  Nine’s reality hit The Block: Glasshouse comes to a close tonight with the couples all heading to auction, hoping to take out the $100,000 top prize.

Tonight’s finale will see each couples original reserve price plus the current reserve price with prizes won over the last two weeks for work on apartment 6 subtracted off the reserve.

Max and Karstan have won $30,000 off their reserve along with Dee and Darren.  Michael and Carlene earned $20,000 off their reserve with Simon and Shannon nabbing $10,000 off while Chris and Jenna remain the underdogs going into auction with their original reserve.

So how have the couples and apartments fared up to now?  Word has it that all apartments are expected to reach around the $1.3m to $1.5m dollar mark with Ray White agent Matt White tipping Max and Karstan’s apartment to win (Matt is Michael and Carlene’s agent)

I’m hopeful of and not expecting another surprise win like last season when Steve and Chantal walked away winners from The Block: Fans Vs Faves – meaning, sorry Chris and Jenna, you guys were entertaining but I don’t see you for the win.  I’d like to see Michael and Carlene take out top prize but then again, I’m completely in love with the bookcase enclosed lounge they delivered – and therefore slightly biased.

My final tip – It’ll be a battle between couples Dee and Darren and Max and Karstan.  Both have produced the most consistent apartments with high quality finishes.  I’m not officially picking a winner – as you know, it never pans out for me!

The Block: Glasshouse auction finale airs tonight, Channel 9 from 6:30pm.